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🍫 Classic German Chocolate Cake (With a Twist!) 🇩🇪✨

German Chocolate Cake

A moist, fudge-layered chocolate cake with the most addictive coconut pecan frosting!

Layers of rich dark chocolate, pillowy soft crumb, and a dreamy, buttery coconut-pecan filling this is the German Chocolate Cake of your dreams! Despite the name, it’s actually an American classic that feels just as homey as Grandma’s kitchen. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, holiday, or just craving something indulgent, this cake is a showstopper that delivers every single time.

🎉 Why You’ll Love This German Chocolate Cake

✔️ Soft, fudgy layers with a deep chocolate flavor
✔️ Toasted coconut + pecan filling = next-level delicious
✔️ Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or cozy weekends
✔️ Make-ahead friendly tastes even better the next day
✔️ Optional ganache for extra chocolatey glam

🧰 Tools You’ll Need

  • 2 round cake pans (8 or 9 inch)
  • Parchment paper
  • Mixing bowls
  • Hand or stand mixer
  • Saucepan
  • Whisk + spatula
  • Double boiler (or makeshift one)
  • Cooling rack

🧂 Key Ingredients & Why

🍫 Dark Chocolate Bar – Gives rich, bold chocolate flavor—melted into the batter.
🧈 Butter – Softened, not melted, for creaming with sugar and egg yolks.
🥛 Buttermilk – Adds tang and tenderness. DIY version works great too!
🍳 Eggs – Whites whipped for lightness, yolks used for richness.
🥥 Shredded Coconut – For that signature German cake frosting.
🌰 Pecans – Toasted for crunch and flavor.
🥄 Evaporated Milk – The secret to creamy, silky coconut-pecan frosting.

👩‍🍳 How to Make This German Cake (Quick Steps!)

🍰 Mix Batter:

  • Separate eggs.
  • Cream butter + yolks + sugar.
  • Add melted chocolate, dry ingredients, and buttermilk.
  • Whip whites and fold into batter.

🔥 Bake:

  • 350°F for 30 mins. Cool completely.

🥥 Frosting:

  • Cook yolks, milk, sugar, and butter until thick.
  • Add coconut, pecans, vanilla.

🎂 Assemble:

  • Stack with frosting. Add ganache (optional).

⏱️ Chill or serve right away. Enjoy every fudgy, coconutty bite!

👩‍🍳 Gemma’s Pro Chef Tips

🔸 Toast pecans in advance for bold flavor
🔸 Use a serrated knife for clean layers
🔸 Add ganache only once cake is fully cooled
🔸 Store in the fridge overnight—it’s even better the next day!
🔸 Skip the ganache if you’re short on time still delish!

🧊 Storage

  • ❄️ Store cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • 🍰 Can be frozen (unfrosted) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and frost before serving.

🎂 More Cakes You’ll Love

👉 💙 Bluey Cake Recipe: Easy & Adorable Pup-Tastic Treat!
👉 🍬 Magical Cotton Candy Cake Recipe (Pink & Blue Magic!) 🎂
👉 🍫 Mini Chocolate Lunchbox Cakes (With Cute Messages!) 🎀
👉 Ultimate Unicorn Cake Recipe: A Magical, Rainbow-Topped Dessert 🦄🍰

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Prep Time 30 mins
Cook Time 30 mins
Rest Time 60 mins
Total Time 2 hrs
Cooking Method:
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cooking Temp: 350  C
Servings: 10
Estimated Cost: $  12
Calories: 540 kcl
Best Season: All Seasons
Description

Layers of rich dark chocolate, pillowy soft crumb, and a dreamy, buttery coconut-pecan filling this is the German Chocolate Cake of your dreams! Despite the name, it’s actually an American classic that feels just as homey as Grandma’s kitchen. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, holiday, or just craving something indulgent, this cake is a showstopper that delivers every single time.

Ingredients
    🍰 Cake Layers
  • 4 oz dark chocolate (100 g)
  • 1/3 cup water
  • 3 eggs (separated)
  • 1&1/3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2/3 tsp baking soda
  • Pinch of salt
  • 2/3 cup buttermilk (or milk + 2 tsp vinegar)
  • 2/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1&1/3 cups sugar
    • 🥥 Coconut-Pecan Frosting
  • 3 egg yolks
  • 1 cup evaporated milk
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1&3/4 cups shredded coconut
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
    • 🍫 Optional Ganache
  • 3.5 oz dark chocolate (100 g)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (35%)
✨ Prep First
  1. 1
    Separate 3 eggs. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your cake pans with parchment paper.
    2. 🥣 Mix the Dry Ingredients
  2. 2

    Sift together flour, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Set aside.

     

    3. 🥛 Make Quick Buttermilk
  3. 3

    Stir milk and vinegar together. Let sit for 10 minutes to curdle slightly.

     

    4. 🍫 Melt the Chocolate
  4. 4

    Break your chocolate bar into chunks. Melt with a bit of water using a double boiler until smooth.

     

    5. 🧈 Cream Butter & Yolks
  5. 5

    Beat softened butter until light and fluffy. Add egg yolks one by one, then slowly mix in the sugar.

     

    6. 🌀 Combine Everything
  6. 6

    Pour in the melted chocolate. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and homemade buttermilk—mix just until combined.

     

    7. ☁️ Whip & Fold
  7. 7

    Wash beaters, then whip egg whites to soft peaks. Gently fold into the batter for a light, airy texture.

     

    8. 🔥 Bake the Cakes
  8. 8

    Divide batter evenly between pans. Bake 30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely.

     

    9. 🥜 Toast the Pecans
  9. 9

    Toast pecans in a dry pan until fragrant. Let cool, then chop finely.

     

    10. 🥥 Make the Coconut Frosting
  10. 10

    Simmer egg yolks, evaporated milk, sugar, and butter until thickened. Stir in coconut, chopped pecans, and vanilla. Cool to spreadable.

     

    11. 🎂 Assemble the Layers
  11. 11

    Stack your cooled cakes with generous layers of frosting between each. Spread frosting over the top.

     

    12. 🍫 Add Ganache (Optional but Epic!)
  12. 12

    Drizzle warm ganache around the edges for a decadent finish.

Keywords: German chocolate cake, chocolate coconut pecan cake, coconut pecan frosting, Southern chocolate cake, layer cake, birthday cake, ganache chocolate cake, fudge cake, American cake, make-ahead cake
Read it online: https://sweettreatsrecipe.com/recipe/classic-german-chocolate-cake/
Samantha Doe
Food and Lifestyle Blogger

Hi, I'm Samantha, a full-time food blogger, mother of 2 beautiful daughters and a lovely wife. I live in New Jersey with my family. Loves traveling, sharing new recipes, and spending time with my family.